Pitch and Pool: Kudos for fall success, and a look ahead

Hearty congratulations to the Eagle boys’ soccer team, for its second straight OSAA Class 5A championship. At the Bountiful Blessings concert on Nov. 14, the team’s victory parade could be heard, leading emcee Mike Thompson to remark, “We are here to celebrate bounty of this community and the championship soccer team is a big example of that bounty.”

We add to that the girls’ water polo team’s third place finish at state, and the boys’ fourth place as examples of local bounty. Both teams kept improving, and winning, as they turned an anticipated “building” year into one that truly sets the foundation for more success.

The Eagle soccer squad came into the season with the firm goal of winning it all. These players have put together a string of successful playoff seasons since the seniors’ freshman year, capped with their repeat titles. It is simply a terrific accomplishment, and these young men played through a few disappointing games along the way. A late-season tie game, and a come-from-behind 4-3 semi-final thriller were true tests of their mettle, and they surpassed it. They showed stern stuff while nearly perfecting the beautiful game.

Coach Jaime Rivera would be the first to give a bow to his players for their skills, hard work, and devotion to the team. He is right, but of course Rivera deserves plenty of credit, too, and mention must be made of his efforts in the final game to make sure his lesser-used players got into the action, giving all concerned a bonafide piece of the trophy.

It is good to look back and savor the moment on behalf of these dedicated athletes. And now, heading toward December, more games, challenges, competitions and tests are ahead for students involved in athletics as well as in speech and debate, FFA, robotics, music, mathematics, art, and more.